Business Development Law Practice Tips

The following are Business Development Law Practice Tips written for lawyers to help you market, manage, and grow a successful law practice. The topics cover a wide range to assist lawyers in all aspects of their law practice. They include business development, improving client relationships, practice management, marketing, time management, communication skills, delegating, staff management, overcoming procrastination, or whatever issues you may be dealing with to effectively manage your practice.

Law Practice Tip #350

Review your Marketing or Business Development Plan and let go of what's not giving you the results you want
I've been writing my law practice tips since mid-2001 and I believe the arc of their effectiveness in promoting my coaching business has come to an end. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #349

Don't start your day automatically checking all your email
Since you are at your freshest and your brain most alert at the beginning of your work day it's best to start your day with important, top priority, or high value client work. Start your day . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #348

Take a photo of your to-do list to keep with you.
Hand writing your to-do list helps reduce stress, keeps you focused on what's important, and helps your brain remember what you need to do. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #347

Ask insightful questions to get better results
If you're not finding the solution to your problem, change your perspective by . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #346

Join a new Group to meet new referral sources
If having more referral sources is a part of your marketing plan, join a new group that will help you meet new people – hence . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #345

Schedule 20 minutes on your calendar as an unbreakable commitment to plan your week
If you don't already schedule at least 20 minutes a week for planning your next week's work, start right now by choosing the best time to set aside 20 minutes for . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #344

It's okay to be Dumb in initial new client meetings
Don't worry about not knowing all the answers in your initial client consultations. That's a time to admit you don't know and be vulnerable. You'll create more . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #343

When crazy busy, make giving complete instructions a priority
It might seem okay to just tell your assistant the basics and hope they'll know what you mean. But it's not a good idea to rush through your instructions when you're . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #342

Choose the rewarding work and move away from the rest
The best way to have a rewarding practice is to do work you're excited and passionate about. Move away from the rest; delegate or just don’t take on non-rewarding work. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #341

Stay focused on your important decisions and don't be distracted or sidetracked by the shiny bits.
To accomplish what you want in your practice you have to stay focused on those actions that support your important goals and decisions and say no to those exciting . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #340

Five ways to use social media to stay in touch
Since coming up with reasons to keep in touch with your business relationships can be difficult, here are five things you can do using social media to help you follow up with prospective clients and referrals sources . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #339

Preparation and practice are key to a successful presentation.
I just finished reviewing Pitch Perfect: How to Say It Right The First time, Every Time by Bill McGowan and Alisa Bowman and was reminded how important preparation and . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #338

"Leave out the parts that people skip" when writing email
My tip this week is Google Exec Eric Schmidt's rule number two from his blog post, 9 rules for Emailing, From Google Exec Eric Schmidt . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #337

Reflect on and savor some of your 2014 accomplishments!
Before embarking on your plans for this year, take some time to remember and relish what you did accomplish or achieve in 2014. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #336

Videos helps lawyers stand out from the crowd
This week’s Law Practice Tip features two lighthearted videos that I hope make you smile and think about how you might . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #335

Make your legal opinions more client-helpful by giving your answer at the beginning
When writing an opinion, don't keep your clients in suspense by making them read all the underlying law. Start with . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #334

Use encrypted attachments to send confidential documents
Check out Sam Glover’s How to Share Files with Clients blog post on Lawyerist.com for useful suggestions on how to send confidential documents. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #333

Avoid "me too" and stay focused on the other person's story to create rapport
Watch out for the "me too" trap when engaging in conversations. Don't immediately jump in with . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #332

.LAWYER and .ATTORNEY Domain Names
.LAWYER and .ATTORNEY domain names become available October 8, 2014. That means www.yourfirmname.lawyer or www.yourname.attorney will be available for purchase. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #331

Referrals Are the Second Best Way for Lawyers to Get New Business
In 2012, Altman Weil surveyed 204 Chief Legal Officers asking them to rate the factors that influenced their outside counsel hiring decisions. That resulted in . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #330

SCARF motivates employees more than money
Neuroscience research shows that money is not what motivates all your employees or associates to achieve their work performance goals. There's more. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #329

Improve your marketing knowledge by knowing your competition
One of the challenging components of any business plan is knowing your competition. When you take the time to . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #328

Master small talk by being curious
If you find it difficult to engage in small talk at networking events, just remember to be curious. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #327

You should take notes by hand
In his article, Sam Glover raises three really good points: (1) We remember what we hand write, . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #326

Replace your excuses with a plan
Excuses stop you from moving forward. Planning and following through with your plan is key to effective productivity. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #325

Look your clients in the eye
A study by Brian Wansink* found that "eye contact with cereal spokes-characters increased feelings of trust and connection to the brand. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #324

Be aware of your impact
Always be aware of the impact your service has on your clients so you can identify and remedy any concerns as soon as possible. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #323

Use flow charts or diagrams to help explain your plan or process to clients
To help make the explanation of what your clients can expect, or to help them with their decisions, use . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #322

Send handwritten notes using personal info to enhance relationships
Sending handwritten notes to folks using the info you learn about them to give the note a personal touch makes a . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #321

Use your smartphone to dictate notes after networking.
If you're like me, you get back to your office after a networking meeting and you didn't give yourself enough time to make . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #320

Do one strategic marketing activity this week
Rather than trying to focus on all the marketing efforts you wish you had time to make, choose one strategic or smart activity and . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #319

Face-to-Face time is just as important as it ever was
Even though you may use social media, including video, to keep in touch, it's still important to nurture your social media contacts with . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #318

Client File Management Never Ends
It's a good idea to carefully review and amend your engagement letter annually. Have a look at your advance fee deposit terms, . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #317

Follow Google's SEO Webmaster Guidelines when updating your website
If you're planning on updating your website this year, here are some questions Goggle advises you to ask . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #316

Meet your practice development goals by positioning yourself as knowledgeable in your area of practice.
This year position yourself as knowledgeable or “expert” in your practice area to grow your referrals and clients. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #315

Record your accomplishments
Doing so will help you Feel good, Have the information available to write such pieces as your web site profile . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #314

Smile: it's your best accessory
This time of year networking opportunities are in abundance. Wherever you are, be curious, engaged, and show . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #313

Deliver bad news to your clients quickly
Clients expect – and need – to hear bad new quickly so they can consider what to do next. If you procrastinate . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #312

Plan for your unexpected absence
If you're absent for an extended period due to a sudden, unforeseeable event you'll need another lawyer to be your backup while you're out of action. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #311

Use language that enhances your client's confidence in you
Words are so important, and the subtlest changes in your choice of words can make a big difference in how clients respond to you. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #310

Target your speaking engagements
Rather than speaking at any Continuing Legal Education or other speaking opportunity you receive, consider how . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #309

Include a dress code in your employee manual
A client of mine needed to figure out what to do about his employee that showed up for work in a provocative, tight, spaghetti strap top . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #308

Delight your clients with personal touches
The best business development tool in your kit is the pleased client that likes you and wants to tell others how great you are. . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #307

Take breaks to rejuvenate and refresh you and your practice.
I'm going to take my own advice and take a 6 week break from writing my Law Practice Tips. I'm actually taking a mini . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #306

Explain and keep explaining.
Don't assume your clients understand you the first time you explained what they can expect in their matter. Rather assume . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #305

Give your clients plenty of notice of your upcoming vacation breaks
To help your clients make the best decision(s), you need to get as much information as possible from them. The best way . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #304

Being dumb is smart when interviewing new clients
Warning your clients that you are taking time off so they can plan accordingly is not only courteous it is a good client development practice . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #303

Show and tell your abilities to your contacts in order to build their confidence in you.
Help your contacts know what you're capable of so they are confident you can perform the work they refer to you. Do this by finding . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #302

Let clients go as soon as you realize they are difficult or unmanageable
Just because you've been working with a client for some time doesn't mean you have to keep working with that client. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #301

Catch up with people you haven't seen in years
If you haven't seen or spoken to someone (a past client, good referral source, or a person of influence) for a few years, use the following . . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #300

Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments and milestones
Most busy professionals don't take enough time to pause and savor, enjoy, or celebrate their achievements or milestones. When you do . . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #299

Reduce Stress by Laughing Often at Work
Even when there is nothing funny going on at work, consciously create laughter moments throughout your day. Laughter is a very good way to reduce stress . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #298

Reduce your stress by reframing your thoughts to a more positive perspective
One of the best ways to reduce stress is to change your negative thinking about things. Here are some reframing examples: . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #297

Really use your contact management data system to help you make referrals
In order to give referrals, you need to have the resources and a system from which to draw your referrals. Set up — and really use — a . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #296

Keep your antenna up for opportunities to make referrals to others
Make a point of always looking for opportunities to refer work or clients to your contacts. In order to receive referrals . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #295

Use body language to connect when networking
When attending a networking event, connect with people wordlessly by . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #294

Ingrained daily habits keep you organized
The best way to stay organized is to make it a daily, consistent, first priority habit to do the things that keep you organized. Those activities . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #293

Definitely arrive early for networking events
Joel Paget, Partner with Ryan Swanson, offers some additional thoughts on Law Practice Tip #292, Plan to arrive early and leave late . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #292

Plan to arrive early and leave late when attending networking events
Give yourself extra time to network at events you plan to attend by arriving early. You'll be able to connect with people in a . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #291

Leave room on your daily "to do" list for unexpected matters
When planning your day, don't fill it with 8 hours of known work. Leave room for the stuff you don't yet know about, knowing that you always . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #290

Make planning a daily habit
With the pace of work moving so quickly, the automatic habit for many lawyers is to stop relying on their "to do" lists or plan and react to . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #289

Share success stories
Deepen trust in relationships with your referral sources by sharing success stories. Learning about them through their success stories makes . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #288

Be inclusive at networking events
If you notice someone alone at a networking event, invite them to join the group you are talking with. When the person joins your group . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #287

Engage your positive self before networking
Because attending networking events makes most of us feel awkward it's important to purposefully engage your positive, friendly self. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #286

Use color to help you organize
Use different colored folders, paper, and sticky notes to help you identity matters in your office at a glance. Do this by assigning . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #285

Serve your clients with strategic technology use
Focus strategically on how and what technology you should embrace to serve your clients. The fall is a good time to take stock of . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #284

Get your point across by keeping it simple
Keep your point simple by reducing your explanation to the nugget, the key important or persuasive point. Then resist . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #283

Shorten your interruptions
Shorten meetings and other interruptions to your work by using these kinds of scripts or techniques . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #282

Follow up with clients that have disappeared
Do you have a client you haven't heard from in a while, one who seems to have disappeared? Do you know why? Why not give that client a call and. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #281

Use past invoices to help you estimate time
In order to give your clients a fair estimate of what your services are going to cost you need a reliable system to base your estimate upon. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #280

Review Your Financial Reports Regularly
You always need to know where you are financially in order to improve or grow your law practice or personal wealth. Arrange to have financial . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #279

Create visibility through participation
Rather than focusing or worrying about where your next client is going to come from, spend some time setting up a contact management system so that . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #278

Create visibility through participation
Get involved in a professional organization in a way where your participation shows what you can do and increases your visibility. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #277

Good, Better, Best Goals for Capturing Time
The good goal: Capture all of your time for that day before you leave for the day. The better goal: Capture all of your time at noon, 3 pm . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #276

Having a Hook – Priceless!
A "hook" is a captivating statement that engagingly describes the value of your services. Lawyers and firms with distinctive hooks attract clients. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #275

Solve problems with staff using John Whitmore's GROW model
GROW is an acronym for Goal, Reality, Options, Wrap Up. Use the acronym to come up with a workable solution to work through these four steps when you have a problem with . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #274

Make email decisions quickly
Control your email by making quick initial decisions. Whenever you check your email, quickly decide . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #273

Share interesting articles to deepen relationships
If you like to surf the internet for interesting articles, share those articles with clients or referral sources. Sharing creates relationships that may lead to work. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #272

Practice Asking
The marketing action that most lawyers avoid is Asking for something. But, if you want someone to refer you clients or work, you need to ask. If you want to get more work . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #271

Intentionally help to lower client's stress level
Do whatever you can to reduce or lower your client's stress level. Being intentional about this will help you connect with your clients and be able to serve them at a very high level. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #270

Increase your face-to-face time with referral sources to increase business
Keeping in touch so you stay top-of-mind is the best way to generate new business. Face-to-face (or phone-to-phone) time is still the best way to keep in touch and nurture relationships . . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #269

Plan to achieve your goals
Along with setting your goals, come up with your plan to achieve them. Start with knowing "by when" you want to achieve each goal. Then, working backwards from that . . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #268

Reframe your thinking about networking
If, when you think of networking, you think, "I hate networking," then reduce your stress by reframing that kind of thinking to something more positive. How about . . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #267

Show appreciation to your referral sources
People like to be appreciated and since your referral sources are vital to your healthy practice take the time to think of how you would like to show your appreciation . . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #266

Let Checklists do the thinking for you
To make sure that every time something is done it's done consistently and without mishap, set up systems using checklists for every procedure that you and your staff . . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #265

Ask good questions while networking
If you find networking uncomfortable — whether in person or using social media — come up with questions that will help you connect. Good questions are . . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #264

Reduce stress by establishing practice benchmarks and sticking to them.
To stick to your benchmarks you'll probably need to keep making difficult choices. You'll have to say no when it seems easier to say yes. I say "seems" easier . . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #263

Tracking time is good for your health.
An easy way to feel good (which is good for your health) is to confirm at the end of your day that you have actually accomplished a lot. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #262

Take stock of your goals and adjust if necessary.
Given the uncertainty in the present economy, it might be advisable to adjust your goals. If they are too optimistic or pessimistic, adjust them to make them more realistic. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #261

Get ready for your law practice's future.
"A Day Made of Glass… Made possible by Corning" is a futuristic glimpse of what's coming. This video has me wondering what innovations I need to get ready for . . . Continue Reading --->

Law Practice Tip #260

Control your time by saying “no” to things you want.
There are so many things we want in our law practice – great clients, more money, interesting issues to deal with, more referrals . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #259

Describe-what-you-do-uniquely-and-succinctly.
If you don't already have your catchy job description, develop a short phrase to describe what is unique and interesting about what you do. It should be informative and. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #258

Remind employees and contractors that client confidentially applies to their social media posts.
If you haven't updated your internal management employee polices to take into account FaceBook, Twitter, blogging and other social media sites it's time to do so. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #257

Request client testimonials using Linkedin.com
When completing a matter for a client, send them an email requesting that they provide a recommendation or testimonial using Linkedin.com. . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #256

Leave Mondays and Fridays open to be responsive.html
In further response to my tip "Manage your time by scheduling everything you do," I received the following suggestion from Joel Paget, a senior immigration attorney with Ryan Swanson . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #255

Color Code your Calendar Items for a visual display of how busy you are.
In response to my tip Manage your time by scheduling everything you do, I received the following great idea from an incredibly creative, successful architect client of mine . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #254

Manage your time by comprehensively scheduling everything you expect to do
Rather than saying yes to each opportunity or new client matter that comes along and trust you'll find the time . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #253

Estimating Time Is Important to Clients
A common difficulty with managing time that many of us have is estimating how long things really take. If you underestimate you obviously run the risk of . . . Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #252

Develop More Referral Sources
You should have at least ten referral sources looking out for you and your practice. If you don't have ten, come up with and work your plan to develop them. Continue reading --->

Law Practice Tip #251

Focus on what satisfies you in your practice
What makes your practice satisfying? The people you work with? The work itself (or parts of the work)? Your clients? The environment? The sense of satisfaction you get when you help someone? Continue reading --->

If you would like coaching on any of these areas of your law practice, please consider contacting me to see how I can assist you.

More Business Development Law Practice Tips:
Tips 201 - 250 | Tips 151 - 200 | Tips 101 - 150 | Tips 51 - 100 | Tips 1 - 50